Abandon Definition

To cease efforts to produce oil or gas from a well, and to plug a depleted formation and salvage all material and equipment.

2.

To cease producing oil and gas from a well when it becomes unprofitable.

A wildcat well may be abandoned after it has proven nonproductive.

Several steps are involved in abandoning a well; part of the casing may be removed and salvaged; one or more cement plugs are placed in the borehole to prevent migration of fluids between the different formations penetrated by the borehole; and the well is abandoned.

In many states, it is necessary to secure permission from official agencies before a well may be abandoned.